Health News and Information

Before you make a decision regarding hormone replacement therapy, you should consider carefully all the known risks and benefits. Get as many competent opinions and as much professional advice as is possible. Discuss the options with your doctor and seek a second or third opinion. In the end, the decision is an individual choice, so you should get as much information as possible and make sure you understand the entire process and its effects.

Known Benefits

1) Very effective for treatment and prevention in the short-term of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating and vaginal dryness.

2) May reduce episodes of depression and enhance sleep patterns. The therapy may also provide an overall sense of well-being.

3) Studies suggest that if taken for several years, this therapy slows down the rate of bone reduction. Other research indicates that if taken for at least five years, the incidence of hip fractures is reduced.

4) Some studies show that if the therapy continues long-term, it can help to maintain quality of skin and breast tissue.

5) If the therapy involves estrogen alone, it may help to protect against heart disease or reduce heart disease by 50 percent. However, the addition of progesterone appears to neutralize some of those benefits.

Known Risks

1) The therapy may cause minor side effects, such as headaches, nausea, bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, and jaundice. Your doctor can lower your dose to alleviate the side effects.

2) Taking estrogen alone may increase the risk of endometrial cancer. However, that risk is apparently eliminated with the addition of progesterone.

3) While not conclusive, some studies suggest that estrogen may increase the risk of cancer. Also not conclusive, is evidence suggesting that the addition of progesterone gives protection.

4) Although rare with the dosage levels currently in use, the therapy may increase blood pressure.

5) Newer regimens attempt to eliminate monthly periods, but many women report regular spotting with this treatment.

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1) Fever— a recent study of persistent, unexplained fevers in children discovered that doctors who used an assortment of imaging tests, such as X- rays or Catscans, failed to make a diagnosis 66 percent of the time. The finding suggests that doctors should pay more attention to the symptoms, rely on basic laboratory findings and observe the child over time, in order to properly diagnose fevers.

2) Parkinson’s disease— a degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain, the symptoms of this disease may include tremors, rigidity, and a shuffling gait. It can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms in the early stages can appear similar to those of other afflictions, including stroke.

3) Clinical depression— this is a disorder which is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain. It involves serious mood disturbances which impair the person’s ability to function.

There are many possible symptoms of clinical depression including persistent sadness, emptiness or anxiety; loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities including sex; fatigue; changes in sleeping patterns; sudden fluctuations in weight; to concentrate or make decisions; forgetfulness; apathy; and thoughts of death or suicide.

The problems in diagnosing clinical depression arise from doctors who are not trained to detect a major depressive disorder. Such doctors are apt to misdiagnose the condition about half of the time. In many cases it is diagnosed as a “low” mood brought about by a stressful situation. Other times it is attributed to physical problems. Among elderly people, the symptoms of clinical depression are often misdiagnosed as the early stages of senility.

4) Multiple sclerosis— a progressive central nervous system disease which is thought to result from the breakdown of the myelin sheaths which protect and insulate nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

The most common initial symptom of multiple sclerosis is numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. Other symptoms may include visual disturbances, muscle weaknesses, poor bladder control, balance problems or dizziness, or tremors.

The main problems involved with diagnosing this disease are that the early symptoms can easily be mistaken for other disorders, and the symptoms often disappear after a few weeks and then return months or years later.

5) Hypoglycemia— this is a condition in which the sugar content of the blood is abnormally low. The condition, which is common among diabetics can also be due to an underactive thyroid, improper diet or allergies, or emotional problems.

Two to five hours after each meal, a person with hypoglycemia may experience weakness, trembling, dizziness, sweating, fatigue, hunger, craving for sweets, and anxiety.

Current tests for hypoglycemia are not always conclusive. Some doctors may also be skeptical that such a condition exists at all, causing the illness to go undetected and unchecked.

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If your cholesterol level is abnormally high, your doctor may choose to put you on medication. While it is advisable to follow your doctor’s recommendations exactly, there are some people who may be able to lower their cholesterol naturally, without having to go on medication. Here are five ways you may be able to lower your cholesterol naturally:

1) Follow a strict low-cholesterol diet. Most doctors agree that many people may be able to lower their cholesterol levels by making prescribed dietary changes. Some people have experienced as much as a 30 percent improvement after following a strict diet for slightly less than one month, and ultimately experience a cholesterol reduction of up to 50%.

2) Practice weight control. It is important that you maintain your proper weight.

3) Be sure to get regular checkups. This is the only way to keep track of your cholesterol level and other matters related to your health.

4) Maintain a regular program of exercise.

5) If you smoke, quit.

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Severe burns may be caused by dry heat, such as fire; by moist heat, such as hot liquids and steam; or by electricity; corrosive chemicals; or friction. Burns that are critical and require prompt professional attention include third degree burns which leave a charred area after destroying skin and underlying structures; blistering burns on a child or on an elderly person; all burns to the head, face, neck, hands, feet, or genitals; inhalation burns; electrical burns; chemical burns; and burns covering large areas of the body.

The treatment of burns and scalds depends on the severity of the injury. In general, the first treatment involves reducing the temperature of the burned area. This will help prevent further injury to the skin and underlying tissues as well as to stop the burning and reduce pain. The initial cooling of the burned area can be done by immediately flushing the area with cold water. The injury should then be covered with a dry, clean cloth. Do not put any pressure on the burned surface.

Never apply ointments, sprays, antiseptics, or home remedies such as butter to a burn. And don’t break blisters.

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Here are some tips for choosing an HMO.

(1) Will you be penalized for going outside the network of approved doctors? If so — how much?

(2) How much does the plan pay? Does it pay a percentage of the actual medical charges or of the allowable charge? There could be a big difference between the two.

(3) Talk to a few members of the HMO. Find out if they are satisfied with the service, cost, and speed of payment?

(4) What happens when you see a specialist who is not part of your HMO? Must you be referred to a particular specialist by your doctor?

(5) What medical services are not covered by the HMO plan?

(6) Check out the doctors on the approved list. Are they reputable? Do they have plenty of experience? Are there a lot of complaints against them?

(7) How much notification must I give the plan before going to a hospital or when an emergency occurs? Many plans require approval before the medical service is performed.

(8) How good are the services provided by the doctors who belong to the HMO’s. How fast can you get an appointment? Can they answer your questions quickly?

The best way to find out about a particular HMO is to talk to several of its members and doctors. You should also talk to the Better Business Bureau and find out if many complaints have been lodged.

A recent magazine survey rated 46 HMO plans. The top five plans were: (1) Heritage National Health Plan (2) Pilgrim Health Care, (3) Independent Health (4) Blue Choice (5) Preferred Care. Of course these plans may not be available in your area. Also the quality of service varies from one region to another. Therefore you must do a thorough study before committing yourself to any particular plan.

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